Dodge RAM 1500 DIY Maintenance Guide

The RAM 1500 is America's second best-selling vehicle for a reason — it's a capable, comfortable workhorse. But dealer service prices are anything but blue-collar. A full tune-up on a 5.7L HEMI at the dealer can run $500–$700. A brake job hits $400–$700 per axle. Transmission fluid service: $200–$350.

If you own a RAM 1500 and you're not doing at least some of this yourself, you're leaving serious money on the table. Here's the complete DIY maintenance guide for the most popular RAM generations (4th gen 2009–2018 and 5th gen 2019+).

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HEMI 5.7L Tune-Up

The 5.7L HEMI V8 is one of the most satisfying engines to work on — good access, logical layout, and parts that are widely available and affordable. A full tune-up covers spark plugs, air filter, and optionally the fuel system.

Spark Plugs

Interval: 30,000 miles (OEM copper) or 100,000 miles (OEM spec iridium) OEM plug: Champion RC12PEC5 or NGK LZFR6AI (iridium) Gap: 0.044–0.046" Torque: 13 ft-lbs (aluminum head — do NOT over-torque) Plug count: 16 plugs (HEMI uses two plugs per cylinder)

DIY parts cost: $60–$100 for 16 iridium plugs Shop cost: $400–$600 including labor Time: 2–3 hours

Important: The driver's side plugs are easy. The passenger side requires removing the air intake box. Spray penetrating oil on plugs 1–2 days before removal if the truck has over 60,000 miles — they can seize in the aluminum head.

Air Filter

Part number: Mopar 68292791AA (OEM replacement) Interval: 15,000–30,000 miles depending on conditions DIY cost: $20–$35 (OEM), $45–$65 (K&N reusable)

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Brake Job

The RAM 1500 front brakes handle most of the braking load and wear faster than rear.

Front brake specs (5th gen 2019+, standard):

• Front rotor size: 13.3"
• Front caliper bolt torque: 162 ft-lbs (sliding pins: 32 ft-lbs)
• Wheel lug nut torque: 130 ft-lbs

Parts for front axle:

• Front pads: Wagner ThermoQuiet QC1363 or Bosch BP1363 (~$50–$80/set)
• Front rotors: PowerStop AR8765XPR or equivalent (~$60–$100 each, you need 2)

DIY total parts cost: $170–$280 for front axle Shop cost: $350–$550 per axle

Step-by-step: Loosen lugs before jacking, remove wheel, compress caliper piston with a C-clamp (brake fluid will back up into reservoir — remove some first), install new pads and rotors, torque caliper bolts to spec, bed brakes by doing 10 moderate stops from 35 mph.

Rear brakes: The RAM 1500 uses rear drum brakes on base trims or rear disc brakes on higher trims. Drums last significantly longer — often 80,000–100,000 miles. For the brake fluid flush procedure, see our brake bleeding guide.

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Transmission Fluid

8HP70/8HP75 8-speed automatic (most 2013+ RAMs):

• Fluid: Mopar ZF-8 ATF (part # 68218925AB) — DO NOT use generic Dexron
• Interval: 60,000 miles under normal use; 30,000 under towing/severe
• Capacity (pan drain): 4–5 quarts
• Pan bolt torque: 8 ft-lbs
• Drain plug: 18 ft-lbs

DIY cost: $50–$80 for 5 quarts of ZF-8 fluid Shop cost: $200–$350 for fluid change

Tip: The 8HP70 has no conventional dipstick. Level is checked by removing the fill plug on the side of the transmission — fluid should trickle out when correct. Overfilling causes shift problems and foaming.

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Lift and Leveling Kit Maintenance

Leveling kits (typically 2" front spacers) are extremely popular on RAM 1500s to eliminate the factory rake. After installation:

Immediate requirements:

• Wheel alignment — mandatory. The front end geometry changes significantly. Cost: $80–$120 at a tire shop.
• Torque all hardware to spec: Front UCA cam bolts (if adjustable): follow kit instructions, typically 85–95 ft-lbs.
• Re-torque at 500 miles — hardware settles.

Ongoing maintenance with a leveling kit:

• Ball joint inspection every 30,000 miles — lifts put additional angularity stress on ball joints
• CV axle boot inspection every oil change (2" lift puts boot at higher angle)
• Tire wear monitoring — aggressive alignment specs can wear the inner tire edge

Lift kit (3.5" or larger):

• Requires upper control arms (UCAs) for proper caster correction
• Requires alignment immediately
• Track bar relocation if applicable
• Driveshaft inspection for vibration at highway speeds

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RAM 1500 Maintenance Schedule (5.7L HEMI)

Interval	Service
5,000–8,000 mi	Oil change — 5W-20 or 0W-40 (check your oil cap), 7 quarts
15,000 mi	Tire rotation, inspect brake pads
30,000 mi	Air filter, fuel filter (inline filter on some models)
30,000 mi (towing)	Transmission fluid, transfer case fluid
60,000 mi	Spark plugs (16 plugs), brake fluid flush, coolant inspection
100,000 mi	Coolant flush, inspect serpentine belt
150,000 mi	Timing chain inspection

Transfer case fluid (NV243/NV241):

• Fluid: ATF+4 or Mopar Transfer Case Fluid
• Interval: 30,000 miles with regular towing
• Capacity: ~1.5 quarts

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Cost Summary: Dealer vs. DIY

Service	Dealer	DIY	Savings
HEMI spark plugs (16)	$450–$600	$80–$120	~$430
Front brake job	$400–$550	$170–$280	~$200
Transmission fluid	$200–$350	$60–$90	~$180
Transfer case fluid	$150–$200	$20–$35	~$140
Air filter	$80–$120	$20–$40	~$70

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